Gary, Indiana Lobbying Hard For Jackson Museum

As the birthplace of Michael Jackson (and all the lesser Jacksons, like Tito), Gary, Indiana, is in a unique position in regards to trying to capture some of that Michael Jackson nostalgia money. To that end, the city has started lobbying hard to make a Michael Jackson Museum and Performing Arts Center in Gary. The museum is currently in the money-raising phase, but the mayor of the city and Michael Jackson's dad, Joe, announced plans to move forward as soon as possible (they think construction can start next year).

The mayor claims that between 500,000 and 750,000 people would come to the museum each year, and would raise $100 million to $150 million for the city. Which is beyond optimistic. I'm not sure I can even find Gary on Google maps. Or Indiana for that matter. I can't imagine a whole lot of people are going to be itching to get a look at Jackson memorabilia in a city that was hit very hard by every economic downturn since the Industrial Revolution. But hey, I could be wrong. [CNN]